Can You See Sharks In Tampa Bay?

Yes you can see sharks in Tampa Bay in fact you can see many shark species but shark attacks are rare and you can decrease your chances of shark attack even further by following just a few tips. Shark populations in the Tampa Bay area are no higher than anywhere else on the Florida Gulf Coast.

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Tampa Bay's Shark Population-Most Common Shark Species

The following types of shark species that you may actually see in the Tampa Bay area. Blacktip Sharks, a Bonnethead Shark, Bull Sharks, Hammerhead Sharks, Lemon Sharks, a Thresher Shark and Tiger Sharks many of which can be seen in Tampa Bay year round.

Avoiding Shark Activity & Shark Bites In Shallow Coastal Waters

Sharks in Tampa Bay are fascinating creatures. You will usually see them in Florida waters pursuing fish that they typically feed upon. Most common species found in Tampa Bay want to avoid humans and I advise you to make that easier for them. Namely stay out of the water when they cannot see you. If the water is dirty and sandy stay out. If it is at night when it is dark then stay out of the water. It is extremely rare for human beings who follow the above advise to be attacked by smaller species or even larger species found in Tampa Bay.

Sharks I Would Not Want To Be Around

Any Bull Shark, a Blacktip Shark or a Tiger Shark are sharks to avoid swimming around. Other species-other sharks I have scuba dove around include Lemon sharks more than on Bonnethead shark ( a small shark that looks like a small Hammerhead Shark ) and even a Sand Shark.

Interesting Things About Sharks in Tampa Bay (the actual bay)

Baby sharks and young sharks are common in the bay as it serves as somewhat of a shark nursery. You will see sharks play in these shallow water estuaries and mud flats. If you are fishing and catch one remember to try to safely release it and it is scared to death, that is why it will bite you if it gets a chance. Sharks are not evil hunters they just have to eat fish to survive and they have teeth. Avoid most sharks in Tampa Bay and enjoy watching them.